<p>are you not supposed to use contractions in you college essay?..is it looked down upon..does it really matter? </p>
<p>sometimes it sounds better when you say don't instead of do not...</p>
<p>what have u guys heard? thanks</p>
<p>I don't think the average admissions officer would pay close enough attention to care.</p>
<p>I don't think it matters.</p>
<p>If you look at examples of successful essays you'll often see contractions. Go for it--you'll sound stiff if you don't use them.</p>
<p>What's an acceptable amount of contractions? Would having "I'm", "I'd", "I'll", "can't", "wouldn't", etc. a few times throughout the essay lessen the impact?</p>
<p>I use contractions in my essays because that's how I speak in real life. Gives it a more genuine feel.</p>